Political Issues Research Articles

2차 미소공동위원회 당시 정치고문단의 창설과 활동

The Political Advisory Group(PAG) was organized based on the recognition that the U.S. Army Military Government in Korea(AMG) had no dedicated advisory body to consult on political issues in South Korea, despite the fact that AMG dealt with numerous political issues in South Korea in addition to its military duties. The creation of the PAG was the final destination of the ‘decentralized’ and ‘fluid’ organizational transformation of AMG’s political advisory machinery. AMG had previously utilized the military intelligence agencies, political advisors dispatched by the US State Department, Hodge’s personal political advisor, and the American delegates for U.S-U.S.S.R. Joint Commission as political advisory organizations. PAG was comprised of Korea experts and political analysts from AMG. PAG collected and analyzed political intelligence through continuous contact with South Korean political figures. Then, PAG framed and implemented AMG’s occupation policy In particular, PAG actively supported the American delegates for 2nd U.S-U.S.S.R. Joint Commission based on the political intelligence and understanding of South Korean political parties accumulated through its activities. Throughout the 2nd U.S-U.S.S.R. Joint Commission, PAG’s focus was on “creating a situation led by right-wing forces” in the list of Korean political parties and social groups that U.S-U.S.S.R. Joint Commission would consult. The existence and activities of PAG clearly show the way and perspective of AMG’s reorganization of South Korean politics at the time. In addition, the fact that the PAG was established as a permanent organization with a single function as a “political advisor” only in 1947 can be seen as evidence that the political advisory function of the AMG in the early days of the occupation was weak.

John McGrath’s Socialist Theatre: An Analysis of the Cheviot, the Stag, and the Black, Black Oil

This study examines John McGrath as a pioneering figure in British socialist theatre, renowned for using drama to critique social and political issues. McGrath sought to provoke thought and action against inequalities by addressing the struggles of marginalized populations. This paper focuses on his seminal work, The Cheviot, the Stag, and the Black, Black Oil (1973), which is pivotal in socially committed theatre. The play vividly portrays Scottish history, intertwining historical narrative with political analysis to explore economic and social inequalities. It highlights McGrath’s influence on contemporary theatre through his innovative approach and socialist stance. The paper delves into the thematic concerns and narrative structure of the play, emphasizing its impact on discussions of class, power, and identity, and its enduring relevance in modern theatre.

Tendências e tensões no discurso acadêmico: uma análise de trabalhos comparativos de pós-graduação sobre literaturas francófonas

This article aims to understand the discursive construction of graduate theses and dissertations from universities from the State of Rio de Janeiro that establish a comparison between French-language literature and some cultural, political or social issue in Brazil. From a documental research, centered in the enunciative discourse analysis, the study discusses structures of domination in the sphere of academic discourse and highlight two points: the transgressions and maintenance of elements pertaining to academic genres, as well as the presence, suppression or mitigation of controversy in the argumentative construction of the texts (Negroni; Gelbes, 2005). In the second part, two theses are analyzed in detail, in an attempt to highlight different types of development of the comparative perspective in the context of the world domains of the literary field (Casanova, 2002), and to discuss whether such relations focus critically on the impact of French cultural hegemony on Brazil, or follow a neutralizing or mitigating tendency, characteristic of traditional literary criticism. We identified that the works mitigate or ignore important tensions that could subvert the assuaging pattern of the traditional academic discourse and maintain a comparativist approachcentered on the debate of mutual influences between countries, without evidencing the cultural dominations in course on the literary field.

The Opinions of Theology Faculty Undergraduates and Graduates on Interdisciplinary Learning

Interdisciplinary learning improves cognitive skills and increases motivation for learning and teaching in higher education. Interdisciplinary education, which requires the collaboration of different disciplines, contributes to the development of students by integrating disciplinary knowledge and providing a multidimensional perspective. Thus, interdisciplinary education has become an alternative approach to discipline-centered education in higher education. Interdisciplinary learning is necessary for postmodern life because it eliminates the limitations of disciplinary education. The complex nature of the problems posed by postmodern life requires the collaboration of many disciplines. Current political, economic, social, religious, and legal issues are too complex to be solved from the perspective of a single discipline. Discipline-centered education may not be sufficient to provide solutions to current problems or to equip students with problem-solving skills. For this reason, this study reveals that interdisciplinary learning, which is increasing in higher education, can also be applied to higher religious education. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the outcomes of interdisciplinary learning in higher religious education through a sample training. In the academic year 2023/2024, an interdisciplinary training was conducted on the common problems of theology and other disciplines, and the results were revealed through the views of 16 participants. The research was conducted as a case study by using the qualitative research method, and the research data were coded under four themes: (1) need for interdisciplinary learning in higher religious education, (2) disciplines associated with higher religious education, (3) outcomes of interdisciplinary learning, and (4) suggestions for interdisciplinary education. According to the research findings, the participants believe that courses in higher religious education have interdisciplinary content, that interdisciplinary education is necessary in higher religious education, and that interdisciplinary learning contributes to personal and professional development. It is recommended that studies be carried out using alternative approaches to improve higher religious education.

명성황후의 국정 개입 실태와 권력 행사 방식 연구 - 황후의 편지를 중심으로

As a result of classifying 146 Korean letters written by Empress Myeongseong, the contents regarding Empress’ involvement in personnel issues and overall state affairs, letters concerning international issues while understanding trends of Qing, and letters that attempted to eavesdrop on the Daewongun’s trends and news account for 63% of the total letters. As for characteristics, first, the Empress’s letters were mainly written from immediately after the Im-O Military Revolt in 1882 to the period when the Donghak Peasant Revolution broke out in 1894. Second, the Empress indiscriminately intervened in personnel issues including major central government posts, local government posts. The Empress received requests combined with money through Min Yeong-so and people around him, and then consulted with Emperor Gojong to decide and inform the positions and approvals of such posts. The Empress’s way of exercising her power was limited and could only be done with Emperor Gojong’s consent, permission, and implicit agreement. Third, the empress was very sensitive to political issues enough to receive the petitions submitted to the court on the same day. Fourth, the empress maintained conflicting relationship with Daewongun amid tensions over power. Fifth, Empress Myeongseong also quickly understood and responded to the international situation surrounding Joseon. She observed the movements of people such as Yuan Shikai, Li Hongzhang, Ma Jianzhong, and Wang Shichang, and tried to analyze immediate political situations by keeping track of major events in the Qing Dynasty. Sixth, the empress provided the information and data she had earned to her family, the Min clan so that they could use them as guidelines for their actions, while she was very anxious to stabilize the Gojong regime.

Creating meaning: Developing students’ understanding of Indigenous community issues in prose class

This study investigated the significance of discussing a literary work written by an Indigenous American author to students’ general understanding of the socio-cultural, economic, and political issues of the Indigenous communities (ICs) in Indonesia. A total of 153 students who enrolled in the Prose Class at the English Literature Study Program at Universitas Negeri Semarang participated in the study. This study adopted a pedagogical application model consisting of pre-reading activities, general comprehension, and connecting literary text with social context. The treatment was part of an attempt to incorporate local ICs content in the learning process and make it mainstream. This research employed a mixed method, and the participants completed the pre and post-tests as the quantitative data. In addition, an open-ended questionnaire and observation were used to collect the qualitative data. We employed Freire’s critical pedagogy to descriptively analyze the treatment process and results. The findings revealed that the treatment improved the student’s understanding of the issues faced by the ICs in Indonesia. They could comment critically on the issues during the discussion activity and fill in the knowledge gaps in the pre-test result. This study also suggested the integration and discussion of the ICs’ local values and issues into the education materials and texts to develop students’ critical thinking skills.

Analisis Kerjasama Antara Anggota TNI dan Pemerintah Daerah Papua dalam Menangani Konflik di Papua

The province of Papua has long been affected by conflicts involving political issues, autonomy, ethnic diversity, natural resources, and human rights. This conflict began during the colonial period and continued after Papua became part of Indonesia in 1945, particularly following the 1969 Pepera, which many Papua residents deemed unfair. Violence in Papua persists with numerous casualties, reflecting a severe security situation. Conflict management efforts involve synergy between the TNI and local government, with the TNI focusing not only on security but also on social and economic development. Collaboration between territorial apparatus and local government is expected to create stability but often faces challenges such as differing task perceptions and support for separatist groups. This study employs a qualitative research method with a case study approach, using interviews and literature review to gather data. The findings indicate that handling the conflict in Papua requires strategic measures, including increasing the presence of Satuan Komando Wilayah (Satkowil) at each administrative level, such as Kodim in districts and Koramil in sub-districts. Kodim and Koramil play a crucial role in maintaining security and supporting local development and community welfare. It is also important to map various types of conflicts—armed, communal, and social—and adopt appropriate approaches. Satkowil/Apter serves as a communication bridge between local government and the community, assisting in policy implementation and addressing conflicts proactively. Effective collaboration between territorial apparatus and local government is expected to enhance stability and progress in Papua.

Social Transition and Modernization of Eurasian Countries

Abstract Unlike political and economic transitions, the social transition of Eurasian countries exhibits a certain degree of passivity. Eurasian countries prioritize solving political and economic issues, with strict control over social aspects leading to a relatively delayed modernization of the social sector. The market-oriented economic transitions have resulted in a disparity in wealth among the populace, and political transformation has generated various conflicts and social divisions, which pose significant challenges to the simultaneously initiated social transformation. Currently, some Eurasian countries are still undergoing systemic reforms aimed at modernization, implemented as a long-term national strategy. The progress and prospects of these reforms depend on the interplay of multiple factors, and their future trajectory warrants continuous attention. The modernization of Eurasian countries is destined to follow a development path different from that of other countries, determined by their unique cultural traditions, social structures, and specific national conditions. Meanwhile, the social changes over more than 30 years of independence have profoundly altered the cultural and social characteristics of Eurasian countries. While preserving traditions, they need to incorporate valuable experiences from the modernization of other countries and seek development paths best suited to their own contexts.

Implikasi Politik Identitas dalam Pemilihan Gubernur Jawa Timur Tahun 2018 Perspektif Fiqh Siyasah

Discussing the issue of identity politics, in general, can be interpreted as an effort to use identity in political life based on group equality such as race, ethnicity, religion, culture, and the like, with the aim of influencing the standards of permanent voters. The main focus of this research discusses the implications of identity politics which refers to the influence of the NU Muslim religious organization in winning Khofifah-Emil as Governor of East Java in 2018 from a siyāsah fiqh perspective. More fully, the parameters of this test are based on the basic values ​​of siyāsah fiqh such as the principles of siyāsah syar'iyyah, democracy in Islamic politics, political tolerance in Islam, the ummah and the principles of government in the Medina Charter, with the research method used in the form of qualitative. The conclusion of this research confirms that the entire series carried out by NU Muslims in their participation in supporting candidate pair number one is not contrary to Islamic religious values. Because the activities and strategies carried out by Muslimat NU and Khofifah are actually in line with the basic values ​​of fiqh siyāsah, which espouse the values ​​of tolerance and democracy.

Shifting Political Strategy, Organizational Characteristics, and Political Issues of Islam-based Party in Indonesia

Shifting Political Strategy, Organizational Characteristics, and Political Issues of Islam-based Party in Indonesia

Prishvin on Stalin’s Collectivization: Observations of a Contemporary

This article examines the perspectives of M. M. Prishvin on the collectivization of agriculture, utilizing materials from his “Diary”, which have only recently entered scholarly discourse in the post-Soviet years. The choice of this topic is motivated by the ongoing relevance and intensity of discussions surrounding the Stalin era in Soviet society. The focus of this study is a previously unexamined aspect within Prishvin studies: the writer’s attitude toward the radical transformation of traditional Russian peasant life. It is demonstrated that Prishvin, on one hand, critiques the ruthless methods employed in implementing collectivization, while on the other hand, acknowledges the positive aspects of the economic reforms occurring in rural areas. The significance of Prishvin’s insights regarding the origins and causes of collectivization is further underscored by the fact that his conclusions often predate those of several later researchers of the Soviet period. Prishvin’s analysis of both subjective and objective factors influencing Stalin’s collectivization reveals him not only as a gifted writer but also as an exceptional thinker with a distinct perspective on the pressing ideological, political, economic, and sociocultural issues of his time.

HOPE AND SURVIVAL IN ZOMBIE POST-APOCALYPSE ENVIRONMENTS: WORLD WAR Z AND ZONE ONE

The recent popularity of zombie apocalypse narratives across various media highlights their deep engagement with social, cultural, political, and environmental issues. These narratives often use zombies as allegorical figures to explore contemporary problems, such as ecological neglect and societal collapse. The emergence of a zombie-creating virus in contemporary fiction mirrors fears of biological and ecological disasters, framing zombie culture as a reflection on environmental degradation in industrial-capitalist societies. By highlighting the potential consequences of ecological destruction, zombie post-apocalyptic fiction underscores how the collapse of social order exposes internal conflicts—such as fear, mistrust, and selfishness—that obstruct collective survival efforts. This narrative device suggests that while environmental and biological threats are significant, moral and social cohesion are equally crucial for overcoming crises and ensuring survival. Despite the grim scenarios presented, zombie narratives also offer hope by showcasing the importance of collective action, adaptability, and the rebuilding of social units. Thus, this paper argues that the portrayal of hope and survival goes beyond simple thematic analysis in both Max Brooks’ World War Z (2006) and Colson Whitehead’s Zone One (2011) since human ingenuity and resilience are innate qualities, as demonstrated by how societies recover and rebuild following a zombie apocalypse. This claim challenges the conventional view of post-apocalyptic societies as inevitably doomed, instead emphasizing their potential for progress and renewal, not only for the betterment of humanity but also for the preservation of planet Earth.

On the Issue of Symbolic Politics in Modern Moldova (1989–2023)

The article examines the evolution of narratives of symbolic politics in modern Moldova (1989–2023), including among the political “rights”. The analysis of documents and political discourse allowed the author to identify three key narratives: Russia as a threat, European integration as a national idea, the myth of the identity of the Romanian and Moldovan languages (language narrative). Particular attention in the article is paid to the dynamics of political narratives, their coherence. The current policy of Moldova in constructing the Romanian identity among Moldovans, reflecting the interests of ethnic minorities (“unionist Romanians”), provokes social disunity, which is confirmed by the growth in the number of opposition forces and protests, and in recent years – in a decrease in trust in the foreign policy vector of the republic (European integration). However, the nationalist ideological trend, in general, is developing, overcoming “multi-vectorality” and neutrality.

INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL IN ISLAMIC HIGHER EDUCATION: PESANTREN-BASED INSTITUTIONS

This research examines the intellectual capital (IC) at STAI Attanwir Bojonegoro, an Islamic higher education institution based on pesantren principles. The objective is to analyze the institution's human capital, structural capital, and relational capital, along with the challenges faced in managing IC in the digital era. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, gathering data through in-depth interviews and documentary studies. The findings reveal that STAI Attanwir possesses strong human capital in terms of academic competence and Islamic knowledge among teaching staff and educational personnel. Structural capital is evident in the physical infrastructure and integrated information systems such as SIM STAI Attanwir, while relational capital is demonstrated through partnerships with community organizations, government entities, and alumni. Key challenges identified include adapting to technological advancements and managing social and political issues like radicalism. The research concludes by emphasizing the critical role of IC management as a strategy to enhance educational quality and institutional competitiveness in an increasingly competitive future.

Why Has Migration Research So Little Impact? Examining Knowledge Practices in Migration Policy Making and Migration Studies

Scientific and expert knowledge on migration is often disregarded in policy making and plays only a minor role in public debates - despite the massive growth and institutionalization of migration research in recent years. This article interrogates the limited impact of migration research(ers) by examining knowledge practices in both policy making and academia. We first look “outwards” at migration policy making. Revisiting and integrating the hitherto separate scholarship on knowledge use and knowledge production, we identify the main mechanisms that characterize knowledge practices of policy actors, such as individual and institutional self-preservation, issue politicization, or unequal power dynamics. We then mobilize these insights to look “inwards” at our own knowledge practices in migration studies, showing that similar mechanisms shape how migration scholars produce and use knowledge. In particular, we identify a fragmentation of migration studies into ever-more fine-grained sub-fields, each with their own knowledge practices and impact strategies - and with little dialogue across them. In fact, rather than acknowledging their complementarity, these sub-fields tend to delegitimize each other's knowledge and efforts to achieve socio-political change. We argue that such “academic tribalism” creates a self-sabotaging dynamic that undermines the field's wider credibility and impact. Ultimately, we hope that this paper empowers migration researchers to act upon this diagnosis and inspires a collective discussion on how to foster more mutually-reinforcing knowledge practices that strengthen the field's role in political debates and public life.

History of Coin Minting in Yerevan

Introduction. The purpose of the article is to study the coinage in Yerevan, which is one of the ancient cities of the Caucasus, located on the most important trade routes. The study of the history of the Yerevan Mint is important for the study of topical socio-economic and political issues of the history of the Caucasus. Methods and materials. Based on the comparative method, the article examines the coinage in Erivan using written and numismatic sources. Along with the descriptions of coins given by R.S. Pul, A.K. Markov, R. Fasmer, E.A. Pakhomov, M.A. Seyfeddini, A.M. Rajabli, E.A. Sinitsyna, and A.V. Hakobyan, information taken from medieval written historical sources containing important data on Yerevan, such as the works of Arakel Davrizhetsi, Zakaria Akulisi, Kirakos Gandzaketsi, Parsadan Gorgijanizde, Evliya Chelyabi, and Iskender bek Munshi Turkman, is also used. Analysis and results. Having arisen during the period of weakening of the Hulaguid state, the Yerevan Mint began periodically minting coins under the Safavid dynasty and under subsequent rulers from the Afsharid dynasty, Zand dynasty, and Qajar dynasty. Tаnka was fought in Yerevan until the mid-90s of the 16th century. The catalogs describe the tankas minted at the Yerevan Mint on behalf of Tahmasp I and Ismail II. As a result of the monetary reform of Abbas the Great in 1595, abbasi weighing 7.8 grams began to be minted at the Yerevan mint. The location of the Erivan Khanate on favorable trade routes contributed to the activation of the mint of the Erivan Khanate. The coins found in the Caucasian coin hoards, minted at the Yerevan mint, testify to the developed trade relations of Yerevan with the countries of the East. Until 1828, the monetary circulation and coinage of the Erivan/Yerevan Khanate were integral parts of the currency and coinage of Qajar Iran.

THE NEW ECONOMIC SOCIOLOGY AND TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT: AN INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH

This article investigates the intersection between economic theory and sociology through a qualitative methodology, aiming to deepen the interdisciplinary debate between economics and the New Economic Sociology (NES). The analysis focuses on the contributions of Granovetter, Fligstein, and DiMaggio, highlighting how NES concepts can enrich the understanding of territorial development, especially regarding the role of social relations in territories. Sociologists, in turn, demonstrate diligence and creativity in addressing cultural and political issues concerning collective representations and social coercion, fundamental concepts that define institutions. Based on a robust set of authors and bibliographic references, the article seeks to complement the debate on NES. The research reveals that NES offers valuable insights for analyzing territorial dynamics and reinforces the importance of a territorial approach in formulating development strategies. In the end, the article demonstrates that the themes discussed by NES confirm the need for a more integrated territorial perspective in constructing sustainable development projects.

Political Talk Shows and Prioritization of Political Movement Issues in Iraq

Political talk shows, in their various forms, are among the most eagerly presented programs by contemporary media outlets, as they are considered one of the most effective means of conveying the media message to the audience. It is well-known that political movement issues have a significant impact on the lives of Iraqi citizens in various aspects—political, economic, social, and cultural, among others. Consequently, these issues have become a priority for media outlets in general and talk shows in particular, as they seek to find specific solutions to the discussed issues and achieve specific agendas and objectives through the talk show. Given the importance of the topic, the researcher in this study aimed to understand the role of political talk shows in shaping and constructing the audience's agenda regarding political movement issues in Iraq. This study is classified as a descriptive study, and the researcher employed the survey method to collect information and data from the respondents. A questionnaire was used to gather data, and it was administered to a purposive, multi-stage sample consisting of 294 respondents from the audience in Baghdad Province.

Did the Prophet practice Ijtihad? An Inquiry into the Prophet's Personal Opinion-Based Juridical and Judicial Ruling

This research paper delves into the intriguing question of whether the Prophet Muhammad practiced Ijtihad, issuing personal opinion-based juridical or judicial rulings without explicit divine revelation. It explores the varying perspectives of jurists and Muslim scholars on this matter, with some permitting the Prophet's reliance on his intellect and understanding for issues related to worldly affairs, such as politics, war, agriculture, and judicial cases but not religious matters. The distinction between purely religious and public affairs is supported by numerous texts and narrations. The paper discusses the controversy arising from conflicting interpretations of Quranic and Hadith texts regarding the Prophet's reliance on divine revelation versus his judgment. While some argue that all the Prophet's statements are revelations from God, others point to instances where his opinions were not based on revelation but on Ijtihad. Furthermore, this study underscores the narrower application of Ijtihad in strictly religious matters compared to its broader use in non-theological affairs, adapting to changing situations and times. This controversy prompts a reevaluation of the rigid adherence to the Prophet's tradition in all aspects of Muslim life. It raises questions about the adaptability of these traditions to contemporary situations influenced by politics, technology, culture, and social values. The paper concludes by advocating for a thoughtful categorization of the Prophet's traditions, such as Fatwahs, judicial, theology, politics, personal matters, social, and cultural issues, to determine their relevance and obligatory status for the Muslim community. This categorization, the paper argues, would provide a solid framework for applying the Prophet's tradition, taking into account the dynamic nature of public affairs.

Does land expropriation to neighbors affect the enrollment of bystanders in pension programs?

Land expropriation can incur not only economic costs but also political costs. Using panel data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), we investigate the impact of land expropriation on the compliance behaviors of rural residents for the New Rural Pension Scheme (NRPS), which is an extremely important public policy led by the government in China. To exclude the potential confounding impacts of reduced social security levels resulting from land expropriation, we focus on farmers in the same village who have not suffered land expropriation. The results of the difference-in-differences (DID) regression model suggest that land expropriation significantly reduces the probability of farmers within the same village, who have not suffered land expropriation, enrolling in the NRPS. The primary reasons are that land expropriation significantly decreases the trust of non-land expropriated farmers in local officials and the NRPS. Additionally, land expropriation has a stronger impact on unexpropriated farmers with lower levels of education, as well as unexpropriated households without Communist Party of China membership or with a high level of dependence on agriculture. Our findings suggest the cost of land expropriation is larger than previously thought, as it generates broader political trust and policy compliance issues.